Call to upgrade education quality
Minister wants curriculum to focus on national identity
Abu Dhabi: The UAE's educational system has to provide students with the skills needed to be successful global citizens, the Federal National Council (FNC) was told on Tuesday.
Members of the legislature voiced fears that globalisation would invade the UAE's society, culture and identity, especially in the absence of proper awareness of its negative impact on students.
Sultan Saif Salem, an FNC member from Umm Al Quwain, suggested the key to tackling globalisation is a complete overhaul of the existing curricula so that the focus is on educating students about the risks involved in globalisation and its adverse impact on the national identity, values and traditions.
He said students must be prepared to face the challenges that globalisation brings and curriculum changes must begin at the pre-school level, teaching children to think independently and develop novel ideas and strategies to meet the challenges of globalisation.
Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education, said the UAE's educational curriculum focus on the national identity, loyalty to the country, Islam, Arabic language, self-esteem and openness toward the world.
"Globalisation has brought along with it not only disadvantages, but advantages as well," Al Qutami said.
He added that globalisation can also create students armed with knowledge to compete in the global marketplace.
Al Qutami said not just the Ministry of Education, but families have a role in this regard.
"The family's role boosts that of the Ministry and we are keen to link the family to the ministry to create capable students and protect them."
The House also called for increasing salaries of Emirati teachers to improve the quality of instruction.
Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Moadhin, a member from Fujairah, said that Emirati teachers are paid poorly in most schools in comparison to other expatriate teachers at international private schools, who get big salaries and allowances.
"Most of our Emirati experienced teachers receive very low salaries," Al Moadhin said, demanding action to resolve the issue of low salaries of teachers .
Al Qutami said a team is studying the teachers' conditions and situation in the education system.
